8 months ago
Uganda Restores Internet After Museveni's Seventh Term Win
In Uganda, the internet was partially restored after President Yoweri Museveni won his seventh term with 71.6% of the vote.
The opposition leader, Bobi Wine, got 24% and says the election was not fair.
The government shut down the internet before the election, saying it was to stop false information, but the opposition says it was to control the vote.
There were some protests in Kampala, but the police stopped them.
Bobi Wine had to hide after the military raided his home.
The government says they will follow the law with those who were arrested, but Bobi Wine says many of his supporters were hurt or held without reason.
Ugandan authorities partially restored internet services on January 18, 2024, excluding social media.
President Yoweri Museveni won a seventh term with 71.6% of the vote, while Bobi Wine received 24%.
The opposition criticized the internet shutdown, alleging it was to control the electoral process.
Scattered protests broke out in Kampala after the results were announced, with police responding with tear gas.
Bobi Wine's whereabouts were unknown after he escaped a military raid on his home.
- Who
- Yoweri Museveni (President), Bobi Wine (Opposition Leader)
- What
- Partial restoration of internet after election, Museveni's seventh term win, opposition protests
- Where
- Uganda, primarily Kampala
- When
- Internet restored on January 18, 2024; election held on January 16, 2024
- Why
- Government claims to curb misinformation; opposition claims to control the electoral process
Government
Opposition
Internet Shutdown
Government
Necessary to curb misinformation and electoral fraud.
Opposition
Meant to control the electoral process and ensure Museveni's win.
Election Results
Government
Museveni won fairly with 71.6% of the vote.
Opposition
Results are fraudulent, with mass fraud alleged by Bobi Wine.
Military Involvement
Government
Military involvement was necessary for security.
Opposition
Military involvement was excessive and undermined the election.
Key facts
- President
- Yoweri Museveni
- Opposition Leader
- Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi)
- Election Results
- Museveni: 71.6%, Wine: 24%
- Internet Restored
- Partial restoration on January 18, 2024, excluding social media
- Protests
- Scattered protests in Kampala, quashed by police
- Military Involvement
- Criticized by election observers
- Potential Successor
- Muhoozi Kainerugaba (Museveni's son)
Quotes
David Birungi
Spokesperson for Airtel Uganda, one of the country’s biggest telecom companies
“We have restored internet so that businesses that rely on internet can resume work.”
theprint.in
African Union and other regional blocs
Election observer team
“The internet shut down implemented two days before the elections limited access to information, freedom of association, curtailed economic activities…it also created suspicion and mistrust on the electoral process.”
theprint.in
Racheal Kawala
Police spokesperson
“The protests had been quashed and that arrests were made but said the number of those detained would be released later.”
theprint.in
